Robert Kaufman Revesible Tote Bag - Downloadable PDF

Robert Kaufman Reversible Tote Bag – Free Downloadable PDF Pattern by Ramona Rose

This free downloadable PDF pattern from Robert Kaufman, designed by Ramona Rose, guides sewists and quilters through constructing a fully reversible tote bag that is both functional and stylish. The finished bag measures a generous 20" x 13" x 7½", making it an ideal everyday carryall for groceries, crafting supplies, books, or anything in between. Rated as a beginner-friendly project, this pattern is an excellent introduction to structured bag construction using quilting and sewing techniques.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a reversible tote bag with a structured, boxy bottom and integrated handles. Because the bag is fully reversible, it features two complete fabric sides — an outer shell and an inner lining — that are both finished to a high standard. The boxy base gives the bag a three-dimensional, stand-up shape rather than a flat silhouette, adding practical carrying capacity. The two coordinating Robert Kaufman fabrics create a versatile bag that can be flipped to suit different occasions or outfits.

Fabrics and Materials Used

The pattern calls for two coordinating cotton quilting fabrics, both from Robert Kaufman, and requires approximately 2/3 yard of each, based on a fabric width of at least 42 inches (width of fabric, or WOF):

• Fabric A – SKU AMD-11688-375: Used for the main bag body panels, cut as two pieces measuring 11" x 40½" each.
• Fabric B – SKU AMD-16124-205 (Sprout Multi): Used for the bag bottom and handles, cut into two 13" x 18" rectangles for the bottoms and four 2½" x 26" strips for the handles.

As a quilting and sewing project, this pattern uses standard sewing machine equipment, cotton quilting fabric, coordinating thread, and basic pressing tools such as an iron. No yarn, knitting needles, or crochet hooks are required. A rotary cutter, quilting ruler, and cutting mat are recommended for accurate fabric preparation.

Sewing and Quilting Techniques Used

Although rated for beginners, this pattern introduces several foundational bag-making and quilting techniques that build useful skills for future projects. Key techniques include:

• Precise cutting: Fabric pieces are cut to exact measurements, including the removal of 2½" corner squares from each bag bottom piece to create the boxy, structured base — a classic technique in tote bag construction.
• Corner boxing: After the corner squares are removed, the corners are folded right sides together (RST) and sewn along the cut edge to form a three-dimensional, flat-bottomed bag shape. This technique transforms a flat rectangle into a structured pouch with depth.
• Loop construction: Each bag body panel is folded in half with short ends together and sewn along the short edge to create a fabric loop, which forms the continuous side and front/back walls of the bag.
• Quarter-point marking: The loop is carefully divided into quarters by marking the fold, seam, and two midpoints. These reference marks are used to align the bag body to the bag bottom accurately, ensuring even distribution and a professional finish.
• Seam allowance management: All seam allowances are a consistent ¼ inch throughout, which is standard in quilting. Seams are pressed open for a flat, neat finish unless otherwise directed.
• Handle construction: The four 2½" x 26" strips cut from Fabric B are assembled into sturdy, double-layered handles — a practical detail that adds durability to the finished bag.
• Reversible finishing: Both the outer shell and the inner lining are constructed separately using the same structural methods, then combined to create a clean, fully reversible bag with no raw edges visible on either side.
• Backstitching: The pattern specifically instructs sewists to backstitch at the beginning and end of seams to lock stitches securely, which is especially important at stress points like the boxed corners.

Stitches and Sewing Methods

This is a machine-sewn project using a standard straight stitch throughout. The consistent ¼" seam allowance — the standard for quilting — is